Testimonials // What are students have to say!

“I started salsa classes about two years ago, studying under Darlene and Joaquin, for the last 18 months, and I’m not exaggerating when I say I learned more in three weeks with Baila Boogaloo than had in six months elsewhere.
Understand that there are literally hundreds of salsa instructors in Toronto , and any number of instructors can line you up and teach you a bunch of moves. But the folks at Baila Boogaloo actually teach you how to dance, and that’s an important distinction. While some instructors focus on getting you to memorize intricate combinations, Darlene and Joaquin teach you the fundamentals of Latin dance, and how these movements relate to the music. Once you learn that you can master any combination.
THAT’s when the fun really begins. THAT is what salsa is about, and not only do Darlene and Joaquin understand that, they do a great job of conveying that concept to their students.”

Morgan Cambpell

Baila Boogaloo provides excellent group salsa lessons as well as crowd pleasing Latin dance shows that feature talented dancers, beautiful costumes and the group’s boundless energy. For over 5 years, we have observed Baila Boogaloo’s ability to handle both large and intimate crowds with ease. Their dancers and instructors are highly professional & pleasant to deal with. They are able to merge seamlessly with our staff to represent Lula Lounge in a way that we feel proud of. Darlene Wang De Martinez, Joaquin Martinez and The Baila Boogaloo Dance Company are a extremely professional – always punctual, reliable and accommodating. As a result, all events booked with them are smooth and effortless. We’d like to say again that it is a pleasure to work with Baila Boogaloo and we look forward to our continued relationship.

“Baila Boogaloo offers the best salsa classes in the city! Not only do you learn a new choreography every class, but you do it in a great social and laid-back environment, and get many opportunities to practice them during class outings to salsa clubs. The instructors are great teachers, and constantly challenge their students to improve their techniques and dance style. Get ready to burn the floor, give your body a great cardio workout, and more importantly, leave class feeling fabulous and sexy!!” Pearl.

“Latin classes with Baila Boogaloo were my first experience with any form of Latin dancing . Even though I was apprehensive at first, the instructors quickly put me at ease with their fun and entertaining teaching style. I enjoyed the classes very much and quickly became comfortable with the basic steps of Latin dancing. I proceeded to enroll in a second class with Baila Boogaloo and plan on returning for more.” Andy Rodrigues

Pearl Sequeira, Andy Rodriques

“Darlene my salsa heart belongs to you and Baila Boogaloo…Throughout the performance class I received excellent instruction and ongoing support. This class has given me the opportunity to step out of my element, meet new talented people and have a great overall body workout while having fun.”

Deanna Burrows

Performance level

“Darlene and Joaquin’s passion for dancing is infectious! It brings out the best in all of us!”

Hugh Gordon

Performance level

“I’ve been taking Salsa and Latin dance classes with Baila Boogaloo for a year now Why do i keep going back?? I’ve taken classes with many instructors -but what sets Darlene, Melissa and the rest of the gang at Baila Boogaloo apart is their enthusiasm, their passion for salsa and latin dance and especially their love of teaching salsa. Its so evident when you’re around them- its intoxicating!!! No matter how challenging, and they like to challenge you, they’ll work with you and even dance with you until you get it right. After a hard week at work there is no better way to re-energize and kick-start my weekend then with my Friday salsa class with Baila Boogaloo…all my worries melt away as I dance to the sensual and invigorating beat of salsa”

Pat Alati

Intermediate student

“Baila Boogaloo has the some of the most fun and friendliest instructors. The patterns taught are unique and interesting variations and they pay close attention to technique as well. Students often get to dance with the instructors themselves and get some very helpful feedback. To top that off, the prices are better than reasonable…it’s just a great deal all around!”

Zubair Towhid

“THEY LOVED US!! We were a hit! We were so pleased with our first dance and our guests were shocked! Thank you so much for what you taught us for our first dance choreography! Your method and style of teaching made our private lessons so easy and fun. We learned and executed our routine with ease and with your help, we were ready to deal with day-of nervousness and came across confident! You would’ve been proud…we were so much better at our wedding then we were in practice videos! The dips and tricks were of course the best part and we were able to look graceful during the entire choreography. We look forward to dancing in our future. I would love to recommend you to EVERYONE! Thanks again.”

Mr. & Mrs. Brendan and Melanie Powell

First dance choreography.

“Darlene , Everyone cheered and they were sooo impressed with the dips n lift, they were surprised Arthur & I learned all of that in just 5 lessons. We were told it was ‘Dancing with the Stars’. Thank you both so much, we really enjoyed the lessons. It went VERY well!!! Thanks again!”

Anna and Arthur

First dance choreography

“I have been with Baila Boogaloo for 5 years now!
For me, it’s so much more than learning how to dance, its about looking great and feeling confident and sexy on the dance floor. Its about letting the pressures of school and life fade away for an hour of awesome fun every week, and meeting up with all of the great friends that you will make in class and will most probably go out dancing with. It’s not just about the dance, its about being social and enjoying life. Thanks Guys!You’re the best!” Much Love”

Neha Tummala

“If you are looking for a high energy, friendly environment, with the greatest Salsa moves to take on the dance floor, you can’t beat Baila Boogaloo. I just can’t stop coming back for more 🙂 ”

Raquel Smith

The Baila Boogaloo Dance Company were the highlight of the event. The dancers, the show and their overall performance were fantastic and all were in awe! They also provided us with an entertaining and fun half hour dance lesson after the show, the lesson was an UNBELIEVABLE SUCCESS with almost all of our senior management team participating! Darlene and her team at Baila Boogaloo were very professional & accommodating, and we look forward to working with them again.

Baila Boogaloo has been working with DLM Dance and Entertainment Company for over 7 years. Their dedication, knowledge and skills in the Dance and Latin Dance industry have been a valuable asset to our company and to our clients and students. Baila Boogaloo’s teaching methodology is to bring the dancer out of the every student. Instruction by their creative and patient teachers is encouraging, passionate and patient without ever missing the fundamental true Latin beat. Their socially structured classes are fun, and very easy to learn. This is evident by their large recurring student enrollment and even larger registration waiting list! I recommend the Baila Boogaloo Dance Company to any one who is looking for an exciting and fun lesson or enticing and entertaining performance. Shawn Cuffie, President